Program pushes clean energy

Jun 13 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Meghan Pittman The Brunswick News, Ga.

 

 

With rising fuel prices and the reach for cleaner energy sparking discussions and debates across much of the nation, it's not surprising that consumers and business leaders alike are exhibiting greater interest in fuel alternatives.

It's why Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols brought the Alternative Fuel Road show to the Casino on St. Simons Island Tuesday.

The goal of the program is to shed light on fuel problems to consumers and to present solutions.

"It's worth having a heavy discussion about," Echols said.

Echols invited members of energy coalitions and organizations to present on alternative fuels and movements to lessen the dependency on fuel and focus on making a change in energy habits.

Don Francis, a coordinator with Clean Cities, said education is the key to helping cities learn the value of clean energy.

"The good news is (the nation) is doing a lot better in reducing fuel use," Francis said. "But we need to focus on reducing, replacing and eventually eliminating our dependence."

New technologies and new resources offer plausible solutions to fuel problems, he added.

Echols' program included the presentation of fuel alternative vehicles like the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt and Ford Fusion. Showing the cars helped the audience realize how accessible some solutions are, he said.

"I am fully committed to consumer education," Echols said. "I want people to know...there are solutions. They can take control of their energy situation."

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